2017 Spring Conferment of Japanese Decoration

On April 29th, 2017, the Government of Japan announced the recipients of the 2017 Spring Conferment of Decorations on non-Japanese. These decorations are conferred to those who made significant contributions to promote friendly relations and mutual understanding with Japan. Among the 105 recipients this spring, the five Canadians below will receive decorations.

Joseph Caron (West Vancouver, BC), Former Ambassador of Canada to Japan, Former Assistant Deputy Minister for Asia-Pacific and Africa, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Decoration: The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star
Summary of Contributions: Contributing to promoting friendly relations and mutual understanding between Japan and Canada

David Boyer Waterhouse (Oakville, ON), Professor Emeritus, Department of East Asian Studies, University of Toronto, Honorary Research Associate, Royal Ontario Museum
Decoration: The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon
Summary of Contributions: Contributing to developing Japanese studies and promoting the understanding of Japanese culture in Canada

Mark James Surrete (Halifax, NS), Honorary Consul-General of Japan at Halifax
Decoration: The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon
Summary of Contributions: Contributing to promoting exchanges and friendly relations between Japan and Canada

Noella Marie Gaudreault (Hachinohe, Aomori, Japan), President, Hachinohe St. Ursula Gakuin
Decoration: The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette
Summary of Contributions: Contributing to the expansion of management of private schools and to improvement of education in Japan

Wally Ursuliak (Sturgeon County, AB), Former curling instructor and promoter
Decoration: The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays
Summary of Contributions: Promoting friendship and goodwill between Japan and Canada through the sport of curling, and contributing to cultivation and development of curling in Japan as a modern sport

Links:
Decorations and Medals in Japan (Cabinet Office)
Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)